Mellifera Hives Research Articles

The seasonal detection of AcSBV (Apis cerana sacbrood virus) prevalence in Taiwan

The epizootic disease caused by Apis cerana sacbrood virus (AcSBV) occurred in Eastern hive bee, A. cerana, since 2015 in Taiwan. A large-scale survey of this disease from September and December 2016 in Taiwan was performed including symptom check and molecular identification in honey bees of A. cerana hives and several A. mellifera hives, which were co-cultured with A. cerana. Based on the nucleotide sequences of partial VP1, the phylogenetic analysis with those of the known AcSBV isolates revealed that most of AcSBV isolates from Taiwan were closely relative to SBV-FZ and -JL isolates from China, whereas only one sample (N15-5-1) was in a distinct cluster, which was closely relative to SBV-LN from China too. The AcSBV prevalence was occurring in A. cerana hives in most areas of Taiwan except for those in Hualien and Pingtung Counties in Taiwan. Notably, the AcSBV prevalence rate showed the temporal increase from 47.1% to 69.6% within 4 months. In addition, 37.5% of AcSBV prevalence rate was found in A. mellifera hives. It showed that A. mellifera was also susceptible to AcSBV infection. The present results would provide the information on the epidemiology and for prospective research.

Evidence of immunocompetence reduction induced by cadmium exposure in honey bees (Apis mellifera)

In the last decades a dramatic loss of Apis mellifera hives has been reported in both Europe and USA. Research in this field is oriented towards identifying a synergy of contributing factors, i.e. pathogens, pesticides, habitat loss and pollution to the weakening of the hive. Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous anthropogenic pollutant whose effects are proving to be increasingly lethal. Among the multiple damages related to Cd contamination, some studies report that it causes immunosuppression in various animal species. The aim of this paper is to determine whether contamination by Cd, may have a similar effect on the honey bees’ immunocompetence. Our results, obtained by immune challenge experiments and confirmed by structural and ultrastructural observations show that such metal causes a reduction in immunocompetence in 3 days Cd exposed bees. As further evidence of honey bee response to Cd treatment, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (X-EDS) has revealed the presence of zinc (Zn) in peculiar electron-dense granules in fat body cells. Zn is a characteristic component of metallothioneins (MTs), which are usually synthesized as anti-oxidant and scavenger tools against Cd contamination. Our findings suggest that honey bee colonies may have a weakened immune system in Cd polluted areas, resulting in a decreased ability in dealing with pathogens.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in Córdoba (Spain) by biomonitoring foraging honeybee.

Due to features that make them outstanding environmental bioindicator, colonies of Apis mellifera are being used to study environmental pollution. The primary objective of this research was to use honeybee colonies to identify heavy metals and determine their utility for environmental management. Five stations each with two A. mellifera hives were strategically located in urban, industrial, agricultural and forested areas within the municipality of Córdoba (Spain), and foraging bees were collected from April to December in 2007, 2009 and 2010 to analyse spatial and temporal variation in Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd pollution. Metal concentrations, in milligram per kilogram of honeybee, were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Significant differences in concentrations were found among the various locations and periods. The highest number of values exceeding the upper reference thresholds proposed for this study (Pb, 0.7 mg/kg; Cr, 0.12 mg/kg; Ni, 0.3 mg/kg; and Cd, 0.1 mg/kg) was observed for Pb and Cr (6.25% respectively), station S4 (13.22%), year 2007 (20.83%) and in months of May and July (11.90% each). Regarding the Cd, which was analysed only in 2010, the highest number of values exceeding the upper reference thresholds was 40%. Biomonitoring with colonies of A. mellifera could contribute to improved surveillance and control systems for atmospheric pollution by integrating qualitative and quantitative assessments, thus facilitating prevention and readiness in the event of environmental crises.

서양종꿀벌(Apis mellifera L.) 소비매수별 시설딸기(설향) 화분매개활동 비교

시설딸기(설향, <TEX>$825m^2$</TEX>, 8,400주, 9. 10정식)에서 서양종 꿀벌 소비매수별 화분매개활동과 경제적 효과에 대하여 시험하였다. '설향' 딸기에 방사된 꿀벌 소비매수별 출봉수는 오전 11경에 가장 활발하였으며, 입봉수는 오전 11시부터 오후 1시 사이에 활발한 경향을 보였다. 입봉수 중화분단자 부착봉이 오후 1시와 3시 사이에 가장 많아서 화분매개활동은 오전 11시와 오후 3시 사이에 가장 활발한 것으로 조사되었다. 꿀벌 소비매수별 일주활동은 오전 11시경에 활동 정점에 도달하였으며, 소비매수별로 화분 매개활동수 차이를 볼 수 있었다. 꿀벌 소비매수별 방화 시간은 공히 약 6 ~ 7초 정도 머물렀으며, 꽃간 이동시간은 약 4 ~ 5초 정도 소요되었다. '설향' 딸기 포장에 방사하여 3개월 경과 후 꿀벌 소비매수별 봉군손실률은 4매봉과 5매봉이 3매봉보다 낮았다. 꿀벌 소비매수별 착과율은 공히 98% 이상으로 차이가 없었다. 소비매수별로 화분매개활동에 의한 품질조사에서 과중은 5매봉이 37.2 g으로 무거운 편이었고, 4매봉과 3매봉 순이었다. 종자수와 당도는 소비매수별로 차이가 없었다. 1회 수확을 기준으로 10a 당 생산물의 경제성을 조사하여 본 결과, 4매봉과 5매봉의 조수입이 3매봉의 조수입에 비하여 각각 9%와 13% 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 <TEX>$825m^2$</TEX>의 면적의 시설딸기(설향)에서는 소비매수가 4매(8,800마리) 이상을 방사하였을 때 화분매개활동과 생산물 경제성에서 좋은 결과를 보였다. This study was examined the pollinating activity and the economical effect according to numbers released of Apis mellifera in the <TEX>$825m^2$</TEX> strawberry (Seolhyang var.) vinyl-houses. The time-zone of pollinating activity relative to numbers of honeycomb released at the strawberry (Seolhyang var.) vinyl-houses was together from 9A.M. to 4P.M., and the peak time of pollinating activity was 11A.M.. The effects on pollinating activity relative to the honeycomb numbers in the honeybee hive released at the strawberry houses were ordered 5 honeycombs (11,000 heads), 4 honeycombs (8,800 heads) and 3 honeycombs (6,600 heads). The rate of workers lost in A. mellifera hives with 5 honeybee combs and 4 honeycombs during the strawberry cultivating period were lower than that of 3 honeycombs. The rates of fruit set by pollinating activity relative to the honeycomb numbers in the honeybee hive released at the strawberry vinyl-houses were same level with over 98%. The fruit qualities; No. of seeds, sugar content and rate of normal fruit set were same level, but fruit weights were ordered 5 honeycombs in 37.2 g, 4 honeycombs in 35.6 g and 3 honeycombs in 32.6 g. The marketing incomes of 4 honeycombs and 5 honeycombs were 9% to 13% higher than that of 3 honeycombs, respectively. Therefore, when the strawberry (Seolhyang var.) was planted at <TEX>$825m^2$</TEX> of a vinyl-houses, it was surveyed that the most suitable numbers of honeycomb were over 4 honeycombs (8,800 heads).

The Odorant-Binding Protein Gene obp11 Shows Different Spatiotemporal Roles in the Olfactory System of Apis mellifera ligustica and Apis cerana cerana

Odorant-binding proteins participate in the olfactory system of the honeybee. Apis mellifera ligustica and Apis cerana cerana are species of honeybee that have different biologic functions. The two species have diversified olfactory systems, with A. cerana displaying sensitive olfactory involvement in collecting nectar and pollen from small plants; and A. mellifera collecting from large nectariferous plants. We hypothesized that, given this difference in biologic activity, the gene obp11 of A. mellifera and A. cerana may show different olfactory expression patterns. We cloned and sequenced the obp11 genes from A. mellifera (Amobp11) and A. cerana (Acobp11). Using quantitative real-time PCR, we demonstrated that nurse workers, which have the highest olfactory sensitivity in the A. mellifera hive, have the highest expression of Amobp11; whereas 1-day-emerged workers, which have lowest olfactory sensitivity, have correspondingly low expression. However, the highest expression of Acobp11 is observed for foragers, which display the highest olfactory sensitivity in the A. cerana population. The OBP11 protein from the two species is highly conserved, with an apparent molecular weight and predicted extracellular localization that is similar to other OBP proteins. The expression of the obp11 gene in A. mellifera and A. cerana correlates with the different roles of the olfactory system for the two different species. These findings support the critical role of odorant-binding proteins in the Apis olfactory system

Pollination Services Provided by Bees in Pumpkin Fields Supplemented with Either Apis mellifera or Bombus impatiens or Not Supplemented

Pollinators provide an important service in many crops. Managed honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are used to supplement pollination services provided by wild bees with the assumption that they will enhance pollination, fruit set and crop yield beyond the levels provided by the wild bees. Recent declines in managed honey bee populations have stimulated interest in finding alternative managed pollinators to service crops. In the eastern U.S., managed hives of the native common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens Cresson) may be an excellent choice. To examine this issue, a comprehensive 2-yr study was conducted to compare fruit yield and bee visits to flowers in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) fields that were either supplemented with A. mellifera hives, B. impatiens hives or were not supplemented. We compared pumpkin yield, A. mellifera flower visitation frequency and B. impatiens flower visitation frequency between treatments. Results indicated that supplementing pumpkin fields with either A. mellifera or B. impatiens hives did not increase their visitation to pumpkin flowers or fruit yield compared with those that were not supplemented. Next, the relationship between frequency of pumpkin flower visitation by the most prominent bee species (Peponapis pruinosa (Say), B. impatiens and A. mellifera) and fruit yield was determined across all pumpkin fields sampled. Fruit yield increased as the frequency of flower visits by A. mellifera and B. impatiens increased in 2011 and 2012, respectively. These results suggest that supplementation with managed bees may not improve pumpkin production and that A. mellifera and B. impatiens are important pollinators of pumpkin in our system.

Chemical constituents and free radical scavenging activity of corn pollen collected from Apis mellifera hives compared to floral corn pollen at Nan, Thailand

BackgroundBee pollen is composed of floral pollen mixed with nectar and bee secretion that is collected by foraging honey (Apis sp.) and stingless bees. It is rich in nutrients, such as sugars, proteins, lipids, vitamins and flavonoids, and has been ascribed antiproliferative, anti-allergenic, anti-angiogenic and free radical scavenging activities. This research aimed at a preliminary investigation of the chemical constituents and free radical scavenging activity in A. mellifera bee pollen.MethodsBee pollen was directly collected from A. mellifera colonies in Nan province, Thailand, in June, 2010, whilst floral corn (Zea mays L.) pollen was collected from the nearby corn fields. The pollen was then sequentially extracted with methanol, dichloromethane (DCM) and hexane, and each crude extract was tested for free radical scavenging activity using the DPPH assay, evaluating the percentage scavenging activity and the effective concentration at 50% (EC50). The most active crude fraction from the bee pollen was then further enriched for bioactive components by silica gel 60 quick and adsorption or Sephadex LH-20 size exclusion chromatography. The purity of all fractions in each step was observed by thin layer chromatography and the bioactivity assessed by the DPPH assay. The chemical structures of the most active fractions were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance.ResultsThe crude DCM extract of both the bee corn pollen and floral corn pollen provided the highest active free radical scavenging activity of the three solvent extracts, but it was significantly (over 28-fold) higher in the bee corn pollen (EC50 = 7.42 ± 0.12 μg/ml), than the floral corn pollen (EC50 = 212 ± 13.6% μg/ml). After fractionation to homogeneity, the phenolic hydroquinone and the flavone 7-O-R-apigenin were found as the minor and major bioactive compounds, respectively. Bee corn pollen contained a reasonably diverse array of nutritional components, including biotin (56.7 μg/100 g), invert sugar (19.9 g/100 g), vitamin A and β carotene (1.53 mg/100 g).ConclusionsBee pollen derived from corn (Z. mays), a non-toxic or edible plant, provided a better free radical scavenging activity than floral corn pollen.

The concentration effect of selected acaricides present in beeswax foundation on the survival of Apis mellifera colonies

SummaryAcaricides used for the control of Varroa destructor are a major source of pollution in a honey bee (Apis mellifera) hive. Because they involve a slow release, they must be present for a period of up to 45 days inside a hive to be effective. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of acaricides in beeswax affects the survival of breeding bees, and if this effect is greater at higher concentrations. Three types of recycled beeswax foundation containing paraffin wax in different proportions (0%, 20% and 40%) were used. Brood survival rate was calculated in each treatment (N°. pupae/N°. Eggs * 100). Acaricide content in wax sheets was determined by multi-residue analysis by GC-ECD. Survival rate was higher when using beeswax adulterated with paraffin. Recycled beeswax without added paraffin wax (0%) had high levels of coumaphos and fluvalinate contamination, and when paraffin wax was added in different percentages (20%, 40%) the concentration of these components was lower. The presence of acaricides in beeswax adversely affected brood survival. When the pesticide concentration decreased, an improvement in the survival rate was found. Larvae developed in beeswax foundation without paraffin wax, exposed at higher concentration of pollutant residues were more vulnerable to the toxic effects of the acaricides.

Influence of Honey Bee,Apis mellifera, Hives and Field Size on Foraging Activity of Native Bee Species in Pumpkin Fields

The purpose of this study was to identify bee species active in pumpkin fields in New York and to estimate their potential as pollinators by examining their foraging activity. In addition, we examined whether foraging activity was affected by either the addition of hives of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L., or by field size. Thirty-five pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) fields ranging from 0.6 to 26.3 ha, 12 supplemented with A. mellifera hives and 23 not supplemented, were sampled during peak flowering over three successive weeks in 2008 and 2009. Flowers from 300 plants per field were visually sampled for bees on each sampling date. A. mellifera, Bombus impatiens Cresson, and Peponapis pruinosa (Say) accounted for 99% of all bee visits to flowers. A. mellifera and B. impatiens visited significantly more pistillate flowers than would be expected by chance, whereas P. pruinosa showed no preference for visiting pistillate flowers. There were significantly more A. mellifera visits per flower in fields supplemented with A. mellifera hives than in fields not supplemented, but there were significantly fewer P. pruinosa visits in supplemented fields. The number of B. impatiens visits was not affected by supplementation, but was affected by number of flowers per field. A. mellifera and P. pruinosa visits were not affected by field size, but B. impatiens visited fewer flowers as field size increased in fields that were not supplemented with A. mellifera hives. Declining A. mellifera populations may increase the relative importance of B. impatiens in pollinating pumpkins in New York.

Linking genetic diversity, mating patterns and progeny performance in fragmented populations of a Mediterranean shrub

Summary 1. The long‐term persistence of fragmented plant populations is predicted to be threatened by a loss of genetic variability and increasing inbreeding, which might lower offspring fitness through inbreeding depression. Assessing plant progeny performance together with measurements of genetic diversity and mating patterns is therefore essential in the understanding of the role of the historical (i.e. genetic diversity in adults) and contemporary (i.e. current mating patterns) genetic effects of fragmentation on inbreeding depression, thus, on recruitment potential. 2. We evaluated genetic diversity, mating patterns and progeny performance at different life stages in seven populations of a Mediterranean shrub (myrtle Myrtus communis) that differed in size and degree of isolation (Large, Small‐connected and Small‐isolated populations). The study was conducted in the Guadalquivir Valley (SW Spain), a chronically and severely fragmented landscape characterized by c. 1% of woodland cover. 3. Parameters of genetic diversity (Ar, Ho and He) of adult plants were in general higher in the Large populations than in the two types of Small populations, which were similar. Outcrossing rates were higher in Small‐connected populations (mean: tm = 0·62), intermediate in Large (tm = 0·35) and lower in Small‐isolated populations (tm = 0·13), and were positively correlated with the genetic diversity of progenies. 4. Several measurements of progeny performance were higher in Small‐connected populations, intermediate in Large and lower in Small‐isolated populations, in particular those related with the quantity of viable seedlings produced (germination and survival). Outcrossing rates rather than the genetic diversity of adult plants were positively correlated with these measurements of progeny performance. 5. We thus conclude that contemporary mating patterns (outcrossing rates) have a more critical influence on progeny performance than either population fragmentation or the historical levels of genetic diversity. 6. Synthesis and applications. It may be possible to enhance either the fitness or certain levels of genetic diversity in progenies by promoting outcrossed matings in fragmented populations of self‐compatible plant species. In our study species, this would be feasible either by controlling honeybee Apis mellifera hives or maintaining and/or enhancing landscape connectivity around small patches.

Frequency and abundance of Ascosphaera apis and other fungal species in Apis mellifera hives from Uruguay

Frequency and abundance of Ascosphaera apis and other fungal species in Apis mellifera hives from Uruguay

Frequency and abundance of Ascosphaera apis and other fungal species in Apis mellifera hives from Uruguay

"Frequency and abundance of Ascosphaera apis and other fungal species in Apis mellifera hives from Uruguay." Journal of Apicultural Research, 46(1), pp. 1–2

Bee Population Returns and Cherry Yields in an Orchard Pollinated with Osmia lignaria (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

During 1998–2003, we used populations of the solitary bee Osmia lignaria Say to pollinate a commercial sweet cherry orchard in northern Utah. Bee densities released each year ranged from 1290 to 1857 females/ha, with approximately twice as many males. Female progeny produced each year were greater than parental populations released, except in 2003, when nesting was poor due to bird predation. Despite poor weather during bloom, and in contrast to most other local producers, the study orchard produced harvestable crops in 1999 (2,964 kg/ha) and 2001 (3,154 kg/ha). In 1998 and 2000, record yields were obtained (10,625 and 12,096 kg/ha, respectively). Including only those years with harvestable crops, average production was 2.2 times higher in 1998–2003 (when O. lignaria populations were used) compared with 1992–1997 (when 10 Apis mellifera hives were used). This is the first study reporting multiyear cherry yields in an orchard pollinated with O. lignaria in North America.

Bee Population Returns and Cherry Yields in an Orchard Pollinated with &lt;I&gt;Osmia lignaria&lt;/I&gt; (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

During 1998-2003, we used populations of the solitary bee Osmia lignaria Say to pollinate a commercial sweet cherry orchard in northern Utah. Bee densities released each year ranged from 1290 to 1857 females/ha, with approximately twice as many males. Female progeny produced each year were greater than parental populations released, except in 2003, when nesting was poor due to bird predation. Despite poor weather during bloom, and in contrast to most other local producers, the study orchard produced harvestable crops in 1999 (2,964 kg/ha) and 2001 (3,154 kg/ha). In 1998 and 2000, record yields were obtained (10,625 and 12,096 kg/ha, respectively). Including only those years with harvestable crops, average production was 2.2 times higher in 1998-2003 (when O. lignaria populations were used) compared with 1992-1997 (when 10 Apis mellifera hives were used). This is the first study reporting multiyear cherry yields in an orchard pollinated with O. lignaria in North America.

Bombus impatiens (Hymenoptera: Apidae): an alternative to Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) for lowbush blueberry pollination.

The pollination effectiveness of the commercially reared bumble bee Bombus impatiens Cresson, was compared in field studies to the honey bee, Apis mellifera L., for lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. A preliminary study indicated that B. impatiens had potential as an alternative pollinator. In a 3-yr study, percentage fruit set, percentage harvested berries, berry weight, and seeds per berry were compared in blueberry fields stocked at 7.5 A. mellifera hives per hectare to 5, 7.5, or 10 B. impatiens colonies per hectare. Percentage of harvested berries (yield) was significantly higher in fields stocked with B. impatiens at 10 colonies per hectare. No other parameters measuring pollinator effectiveness were significantly different at 5, 7.5, or 10 colonies per hectare. Flower handling time was significantly faster for B. impatiens and it more frequently collected blueberry pollen. All parameters of pollinator effectiveness were similar for B. impatiens, A. mellifera, and native wild bees in a follow-up study. Overall, B. impatiens was a suitable alternative to A. mellifera.

Weather-Dependent Pollinator Activity in an Apple Orchard, with Special Reference toOsmia cornutaandApis mellifera(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae and Apidae)

The foraging activity of pollinator insects in relation to weather factors (ambient temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, and wind speed) was studied in an apple orchard with special reference to two managed bee species, Osmia cornuta (Latreille) and Apis mellifera L. Over the range of observed weather values, A. mellifera activity was significantly dependent on temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed; O. cornuta activity was dependent on solar radiation and wind speed. These results were confirmed through video recordings at one O. cornuta nesting shelter and one A. mellifera hive. For both species, daily activity started at lower temperatures than it ceased, whereas solar radiation did not differ between these two events. In general, O. cornuta was active from 10 to 12°C and 200 w/m2, and A. mellifera from 12 to 14°C and 300 w/m2. O. cornuta was the only bee species seen visiting apple flowers under strong wind or light rain. Because of its greater tolerance to inclement weather, O. cornuta pollinated apple flowers for longer periods (both daily and seasonally) than other flower visitors.

Sun Position as a Possible Factor in the Disorientation of Honeybees in the Southern Hemisphere

SummaryRows of honeybee (Apis mellifera) hives were arranged in squares, 5 to a side with their entrances facing outwards (N, S, E, W), in the south temperate zone (at Tauranga, New Zealand, 37° 40'S, 176° 12'E). A significant number of marked bees of various ages moved (drifted) westward from the central hives of north- and south-facing rows during January and February 1983 when the zenith angles of the sun were 17°10'N, 21° 49'N at solar noon. Marked bees in hives facing east showed a significant tendency to drift northward along the rows by the time they were 17–18 days old. This movement of marked bees was not evident in rows that faced west. These data are compared with those obtained in the north temperate zone (at 49° 38'N, 97° 09'W) and in the tropical zone (at 18° 00'N, 76° 45'W). It appears that the sun's position, and its apparent movement, influence the direction that most bees drift from their parent hives.